Pickering
Learn About The Pickering Community and
Real Estate In Pickering, Ontario
Pickering, Ontario
Pickering is one of those communities that gives you a little bit of everything. You’re close enough to Toronto for an easy commute, but you also have the waterfront, parks, trails, established neighbourhoods and plenty of space to enjoy. It’s a popular choice for families, first-time buyers and people who want a little more room without moving too far from the city.
One thing I love about Pickering is how close you are to the water. Frenchman’s Bay is one of the best-known spots in the community and is a great place to walk, bike, grab something to eat or just sit and enjoy the view. Millennium Square is right on the waterfront and has become a popular gathering spot, especially in the summer. You can also hop on the Waterfront Trail and make your way along Lake Ontario.
If you’re looking for a little more nature, Pickering has some great options. Petticoat Creek Conservation Area has hiking trails, picnic areas and a swimming pool, while Altona Forest is a beautiful natural area tucked into the city. Seaton Trail is another favourite for anyone who enjoys getting out for a longer walk through the woods. And, of course, Rouge National Urban Park is right nearby, giving you even more trails, wildlife and green space to explore.
Pickering also has some really nice neighbourhoods, and one of the things I like about the city is the variety of homes. You’ll find everything from older bungalows and detached homes on mature streets to newer family homes, townhomes and condos. Pickering Village, which sits along Old Kingston Road, has a completely different feel, with older homes, local businesses and a more village-like atmosphere.
For families, there are lots of schools throughout Pickering, including Pine Ridge Secondary School, Dunbarton High School, Pickering High School and St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, along with plenty of public and Catholic elementary schools. There are also lots of sports programs, recreation facilities and community activities for kids and adults.
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex is a popular spot for local families, with pools, fitness facilities and recreation programs. There are also plenty of sports fields, playgrounds and community parks spread throughout the different neighbourhoods.
When it comes to shopping, Pickering Town Centre is still the main go-to, with a wide variety of stores, restaurants and services. There are also plenty of smaller shopping plazas throughout the city, so most everyday errands are pretty easy to take care of without going too far.
Pickering has a growing local food scene too. You’ll find plenty of restaurants around Kingston Road, Liverpool Road and Brock Road, as well as some great little spots in and around Pickering Village. PORT Restaurant near Frenchman’s Bay is a popular choice when you want to sit down for a meal, and there are lots of cafés and independent businesses to discover.
One of the biggest perks of Pickering has to be the location. Pickering GO Station makes commuting into Toronto much easier, and Highway 401 runs right through the city. You’re also just minutes from Scarborough and the eastern edge of Toronto, while Durham communities like Ajax and Whitby are right next door.
And if you’re looking for things to do, there’s plenty nearby. You can spend a morning walking around Frenchman’s Bay, head to the waterfront for the afternoon, grab dinner in Pickering Village or take the kids out to one of the many parks and recreation facilities. There are also plenty of events and community activities throughout the year.
Pickering really does give you a nice balance. You have the convenience of being close to Toronto, but you also get Lake Ontario, trails, conservation areas, family-friendly neighbourhoods and more space.
It’s a community where you can have your morning coffee, spend the afternoon by the lake and still be home in time for dinner, and that’s one of the things that makes Pickering such a great place to call home.
Why People Love Pickering
- Close to Toronto
- Excellent GO Transit access
- Lake Ontario waterfront
- Frenchman’s Bay
- Millennium Square
- Petticoat Creek Conservation Area
- Seaton Trail
- Altona Forest
- Rouge National Urban Park nearby
- Great selection of family homes
- Pickering City Centre
- Lots of restaurants and local businesses
- Easy access to Highway 401
- Mix of established and newer neighbourhoods
- Great balance of city convenience and outdoor space
Thinking About Calling Pickering Home?
If you want to stay close to Toronto but would like more space, parks, trails and easy access to the lake, Pickering is one of Durham’s communities I’d definitely put on the list. Let’s find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Get in touch with Laura Cooper today!
Local Favourites
Best Coffee: Starbucks at Pickering Village / local cafés around Frenchman’s Bay
Best Bakery: Cocoa Berry
Best Restaurant: PORT Restaurant
Best Park: Millennium Square
Best Walking Trail: Seaton Trail
Best Shopping: The Shops at Pickering City Centre
Best Place for a Day Out: Frenchman’s Bay
Best Community Spot:
Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
Schools in Pickering
Dunbarton High School
Pickering High School
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Gandatsetiagon Public School
Alton Village Public School
Elizabeth B. Phin Public School
Glengrove Public School
Highbush Public School
Maple Ridge Public School
Vaughan Willard Public School
William Dunbar Public School
*School boundaries may change, so it's always recommended to verify catchment areas before purchasing.
Beaches
Parks
Golf Courses
Pickering Town Centre
Restaurants
- Tahini’s - Lebanese, Mediterranean
- El Greco Restaurant - Mediterranean, Greek Fusion
- Port - American
- Chuuk Bar and Restaurant - Mexican
- Amici - Italian
Attractions
- Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park
- BeachFront Park
- Altona Forest
- Petticoat Creek Conservation Area
- The Enchanted Forest

Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate In Pickering
Get In Touch With Laura
